Will Shipley: There's no better guy to lead Clemson's offense than Cade Klubnik

The hope for Clemson is that the Tigers offense will get back to being elite in the 2023 season. Clemson running back Will Shipley believes that there is no one better to lead the Tigers than sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Klubnik had an up-and-down first season at Clemson, impressing at times, while struggling some, too. But Shipley feels great about his future.

“We’ve got potential to be really great. There’s no doubt about that,” Shipley said. “With all of the weapons and pieces that we have, starting with No. 2 at quarterback. He leads the offense. He leads this football team. And there’s no better guy to do it.”

Klubnik completed 61 percent of his passes last season, while throwing for 697 yards and two touchdowns. He added 139 rushing yards and two scores and was named the MVP of the ACC Championship Game.

However, he struggled in his first career start in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee, finishing with zero touchdown passes and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times in that game.

With most of the talent on offense returning for 2023, the offense should be much improved this fall.

“You talk about all of the weapons and pieces that we have around him. Those five guys up front, a couple of fillers that we’ll be able to throw in there and interchange will be great for us,” Klubnik said.

“Some young receivers have got to step up, no doubt. You talk about me and [Phil Mafah] in the backfield. I don’t think there’s a better duo in the nation. Humbly. But I see how hard we work every single day. And that’s just what this offense has consisted of is a bunch of guys who put their head down. They work.”

Shipley believes the hard work Clemson put in this offseason will pay off in the fall and the Tigers will be more explosive and consistent.

Last season, Clemson ranked No. 30 nationally at 33 points per game and No. 48 nationally at 410 yards per game.

“I just want to see us all reap the benefits in the fall,” Shipley said. “But there’s a lot more work that we have to do in order for that to happen. And we’ve gotta play our best football at the end of the year. And we’ve got to continue to get better throughout the year. So we can just never be satisfied. And I think that’s when you’re going to see the best Clemson Tigers.”